Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has hailed the contributions of African players to the development of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Oshoala became the first high-profile African player to join the NWSL when she ended her association with Barcelona in February 2024.
Soon after she joined, the likes of Rachael Kundanaji, Temwa Chawinga, Barbra Banda, Uchenna Kanu and Michelle Alozie joined, increasing the number of African players in the league to 12.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawian striker Temwa Chawinga finished as the joint top scorers in the league with a record 13 goals.
In her first season in the NWSL, Branda also led the Orlando Pride to the NWSL Shield and the 2024 NWSL Championship and was named the NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player.
Similarly, Oshoala led BAY FC to a play-off place in their first season in the league before they lost out to Washington DC, who made it to the final.
The former Barcelona forward revealed that the impressive performances of the African players added value to the NWSL.
Oshoala said, “The African players have actually raised the bar in this league. We have a lot of talent that has come here.
“We have Chawinga, Rachael, Barbra, and some other players. What they have been able to do is amazing. I think we proved here that African players are just as good as anybody.
“We just keep getting better and better. We can’t rest on what is past. We have to keep improving every game.”
Oshoala also hailed the competitiveness of the NWSL, claiming it is fun to watch.
She said, “I think this league is very competitive – like, every game.
“And also, it is very athletic here. People do a lot of running, which is sometimes difficult to do all game. But it is competitive, and every weekend it is fun to watch.”
Oshoala’s successful career has seen her traverse four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia and America; however, she is not fazed by the culture.
She said, “There was nothing really surprising here for me, really. I am just happy that my team keeps playing well and getting better.
“I’m still trying to fit in, to be honest. It’s not that easy, but at the same time, it’s also kind of easy because I play with the Nigerian national team, which kind of has a similar style to this league. It’s not like I haven’t been through this process before.”
The 30-year-old is targeting a play-off place for BAY FC in the NWSL this season.
Oshoala concluded, “My target is to help my team to pick up from where we left off last year by making the playoffs and then do better by winning a playoff game this year. After that, anything is possible.”
BAY FC currently occupy the ninth position on the NWSL table with seven points from five matches, earning two wins, one draw, and two defeats.
Up next for Oshoala and her BAY FC teammates is a home clash against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday.
